Apart from providing soul searching experiences, India offers some splendid luxury vacations options ranging from boutique hotels to carefully crafted experiences. Thanks to our Maharaja lineage, it comes as no surprise that our attempt to redefine a luxurious experience hasn’t gone unnoticed. More and more luxury hotels in India are revamping their status and identity to fit into the royal spectrum. From architecture, accommodation to even food, almost everything is crafted with precision and finesse.
What makes luxury hotels in India unbeatable in comparison with the other luxury hotels in the world is the warm hospitality of Indian tradition. With landscape ranging from a lush green backdrop to rustic deserts, these hotels provide the ultimate regal experience while soaking in the beauty of nature’s finest creations.
Top 10 places that have redefined luxury over the past few years:
1. The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Splashes of Jaipur’s regal past can be seen in the Oberoi Rajvilas. One of the lesser known facts is that Oberoi Rajvilas stands third in the Asian continent and eighth in the world amongst the list of best hotels in the world. The hotel offers 54 premier rooms, 13 luxury tents, one Royal Tent, two Luxury Villas with Private Pools and one Kohinoor Villa with a Private Pool.
This is one of the best luxury hotels in India that evokes the princely era with its luxury villas and royal tents and is situated on 32 acres of lush gardens, flowering trees and cascading fountains. One of the most fascinating aspects of the hotels is that the standard of services remains the same irrespective of a luxury room or a tent house. This hotel is a perfect blend of Italian designs and Rajasthani architecture.
Moreover, the embroidered canopies are a stellar touch to its interior decor. This luxury hotel is located at a distance of 5 miles from the city of Jaipur. A 280-year-old Shiva temple and a Rajasthani haveli (mansion) were restored on the premises of the hotel. The services provided to the guests in this hotel make this one of the most hospitable luxury hotels in India.
2. The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai, Maharashtra
This iconic hotel was built way back in the year 1903. This luxury hotel has a beautiful location to its credit. Situated adjacent to the Gateway of India, it acts as a cynosure of the sea. This hotel has nearly 560 luxury rooms including 44 suites which have vaulted ceilings, silk carpets, designer chandeliers, onyx columns and archways.
The noteworthy collection of artefacts and artworks add a sense of charm and royalty to the hotel’s identity. Amongst its prized possessions include Belgian chandeliers, Bastar tribal art works, Anglo Indian inlaid chairs and tables to Goan Christian artefacts and even Mughal inspired Jali designs. The hotel is an architectural marvel because of the presence of a blend of Oriental, Florentine and Moorish styles of architecture.
When it comes to accommodation, a guest can opt for Taj Mahal Tower rooms, Taj Mahal Palace Rooms, The Taj Club Rooms, Taj Mahal Palace Suites, Taj Signature Suites and The Presidential Suite. It also houses 11 banquet halls, two lounges and bars, swimming pool, night club and a luxury spa in the hotel. You can also choose to dine in one of their ten restaurants or even opt for a private dining experience at the Chef’s Studio.
3. The Leela Palace Kempinski in Udaipur, Rajasthan
The Leela Palace Kempinski, Udaipur, is one of the best hotels in India with respect to opulence that is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. This luxury hotel provides a breathtaking view of the Aravalli hills. The grandeur of the hotel can be judged from the fact that all the eight suites and 72 rooms face the tranquil waters of the lake. The rooms are all embellished with furniture and artefacts that speak volumes about the beauty of Rajasthani handicrafts.
This hotel also provides customised facilities including arriving to the hotel via luxury cars and ornate boats. When it comes to accommodation, you can opt for Maharaja Suite, Royal Suite, Duplex Suite, Luxury Suite, Lake View Room and Heritage View Room.
It also offers some splendid experiences including The Leela Moments, Romance at the Leela, Royal Odyssey, Senses of Udaipur -- seven day journey, Sojourn into Self -- a five day journey and Soul connect -- a three day journey. The majestic appearance and quintessential regal identity makes this one of the most revered boutique hotels in India.
4. Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan
If you are looking for a honeymoon destination, then the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur seems to be an ideal choice. This hotel has attained the tag of being one of the most romantic luxury hotels in India. The Taj Lake Palace hotel is constructed with white marble. There are 83 rooms and 17 suites in this hotel.
This exotic hotel was constructed nearly 250 years ago in the middle of the famous Lake Pichola. The mesmerising aspect of this hotel is that it gives an illusion of being afloat in the lake like a flower to the guests. For accommodation, one can choose from Luxury Rooms, Palace Rooms, Royal Suites, Grand Royal Suites to Grand Presidential Suite.
Like all other Taj hotels, this luxury hotel too offers several customised experiences namely Inside the Hotel, Outside the Hotel, Dining Experiences, Business Experiences, Rejuvenating Experiences, Taj Khazana. The use of bohemian crystals, leaves of green lotus, cusped arches and work of intricate ornate glass make this hotel one of the most beautiful hotels in India.
5. The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Located in Agra, The Oberoi Amarvilas offers some of the most pristine views of the Taj Mahal from each and every window, lobby and suite of the hotel. This hotel is located at a distance of 600 metres from the monument. It has a blend of Mughal and Moorish style of architecture. This lavish hotel features fountains, pavilions, terraced lawns and reflection pools.
In fact, the rooms in this hotel have spectacular interiors and are decorated primarily in shades of yellow, orange and purple. The interiors are capable of transporting the guests to an era of princess and emperors. The Oberoi offers Premier Rooms, Premier Rooms with Balcony, Deluxe Suites, Deluxe Suite with Balcony, Luxury Suite and Kohinoor Suite.
All the rooms come with LCD TV, DVD player, wireless broadband internet access, personal mini bar, a personalised butler service and a well stocked bathroom with a basket of Ayurvedic toiletries. The most intriguing aspect of this hotel is its grand sized soaking tub -- one of the few luxury hotels in India that have this feature. For dining options the hotel has Bellevue, Esphahan, Bar, Lounge and 24 hour in room dining. The nights in this luxury hotel are truly magical with the beautiful Taj Mahal being lit in the moonlight.
6. The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, Rajasthan
This luxury hotel Oberoi Udaivilas is located on the legendary lake of Udaipur, named Lake Pichola. This hotel provides breathtaking views of the the royal city. This hotel can be easily accessed by either road or by boat. It is located in 30 acres with beautiful fountains and mesmerising gardens acting as a periphery for the hotel. This hotel has a romantic and tranquil edge to its credit because of the presence of the Aravalli Range of mountains in its backdrop.
Like all Oberoi luxury hotels in India, accommodation includes Premier Rooms, Premier Rooms with semi private pool, Premier Room with Pool View and Private Courtyard, Luxury Suite with Private Pool and Kohinoor suite with Private Pool. Moreover, all the rooms come with LCD TV, DVD player, Wireless broadband internet access, personal mini bar, a personalised butler service and a well stocked bathroom with a basket of Ayurvedic Toiletries.
In fact, it resembles a Rajasthani Palace. The bedrooms of this hotel are well-spaced and has elegantly-designed interiors. It has therapy suites and spa centers located inside it. The tourists can even get ayurveda and aromatherapy treatments in the spa centers located here. This luxury hotel has two swimming pools, a gym, a music disc, a video disc and a library. From this hotel, the tourists can also indulge in boat rides and various sightseeing tours. For dining options one can opt for Udai Mahal, Surya Mahal, Chandni, Bar, Picnics and even a private and 24 hour in-room dining.
7. The Oberoi in Mumbai, Maharashtra
The Oberoi Mumbai is located in the heart of Mumbai. This beautiful hotel situated in the Marine Drive, and is considered to be one of the leading luxury hotels in India. This hotel overlooks the skyline. The different rooms and suites offer bewitching views of the oceans. The rooms of this hotel are well-equipped with state of the art facilities and latest technologies.
In this hotel, the tourists can find a number of exclusive dining options. In terms of the recreational facilities, this hotel has a lot to offer. It has a fitness center, a heated swimming pool, salon and a luxury spa. An intriguing feature about this hotel is that the guests are served with a personalised butler service. This luxury hotel in India is perfect for business and leisure stays.
For accommodation, one can opt for Deluxe Room with City View, Luxury Room with City View, Premier Ocean View Room, Oberoi Executive Suite, Oberoi Executive Suite, Ocean View, Deluxe Suite, Ocean View, Premier Suite, Ocean View and a Presidential Suite. They have close to 73 suites and 214 rooms. All the rooms are well-equipped with oak wood floors, exquisite furniture and beautiful oil paintings apart from an iPod docking station, and a High Definition Media Interface (HDMI), WiFi and TV.
8. The Taj Lands End in Mumbai, Maharashtra
The Taj Lands End in Mumbai is a perfect destination for those looking forward to enjoying the amazing nightlife of Mumbai city. This hotel which comprises of more than 18 levels provides some breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. With 368 rooms and 15 suites, this hotel is said to be the ultimate lodging destination of the elite.
One attribute of this hotel which makes it stand apart from all its contemporaries is its inclusion of a ladies floor. This floor is particularly designed to take care of all the requirements of single women travellers. The facilities provided by this hotel include a Taj Club Floor and Lounge, Business Centre, Fitness Centre and Taj Khazana. Another intriguing feature of this hotel is its smoking floor.
Amongst other features, there is an international organic restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a banquet area. For accommodation, you can choose from deluxe and luxury rooms, Taj Club Rooms, Suites to even Presidential Suites.
9. The Oberoi in Gurgaon, Haryana
The Oberoi Gurgaon is a hotel which is located amidst the lush green cover of forests and a blue sky, providing a comfortable stay to corporate guests. This hotel has 202 guest rooms which possess a number of distinct features. The king sized windows provide a serene view of the pools and gardens located in the hotel’s outer region. It has a personalised butler facility only for selected suites.
It also has a bar and lounge. Moreover, the Oberoi Spa and Fitness Centre are open for 24 hours. For accommodation, one can opt for Deluxe Room, Luxury Room with Garden View, Premier Room with Pool View, Deluxe Suite, Luxury Suite, Premier Suite, Premier Suite with pool or even the Presidential Suite. They also have some of the finest dining options in the country -- Threesixtyone, Amaranta, The Piano Bar, Cigar Lounge, 24 hours in-room dining, The Belvedere, The Oberoi Patisserie and Delicatessen.
10. The Leela Palace Kempinski, New Delhi
This hotel is an epitome of remarkable architecture as well as grace of the capital city, making it one of the finest luxury hotels in India. There are 260 rooms in the hotel. Each of the room in the hotel is equipped with the latest of technology.
For accommodation, one can opt for Presidential Suite, Suites that include Maharaja Suite, Grande Suite with Pool, Luxury Suite, Executive Suite and Junior Suite, Royal Suite and rooms like Royal Premier Room and Grand Deluxe Room. The Uber Chic restaurant which is located inside the hotel serves some of the best delicacies. The luxury spa present in the hotel provides great a chance for guests to relax and rejuvenate.
